With Romy Gonzalez Sidelined, the Red Sox Will Be Counting on Kristian Campbell to Step Up
As spring training inches closer, the Boston Red Sox are dealing with an early question mark in their infield depth. Utility man Romy Gonzalez, who played a key role off the bench last season, is battling a lingering shoulder issue that could impact his readiness for Opening Day. According to reports, Gonzalez is “behind much of the rest of the group” as camp approaches - not exactly the news Red Sox fans were hoping for with the 2026 season on the horizon.
While Gonzalez remains optimistic about being ready for Opening Day, shoulder injuries - especially ones that linger - can be tricky. And with the grind of a 162-game season ahead, Boston can’t afford to bank solely on hope.
That puts added pressure on the club’s internal options, even after acquiring infielder Caleb Durbin via trade on Monday. And it shines a brighter spotlight on one name in particular: Kristian Campbell.
Campbell’s Time to Shine?
Campbell isn’t your typical prospect story. After fewer than two weeks in the majors, the Red Sox handed the 23-year-old an eight-year, $60 million extension - a bold move that spoke volumes about how highly the organization viewed his potential.
It wasn’t just hype either. Campbell had earned Minor League Player of the Year honors in 2024 and burst onto the big-league scene with a scorching .375 batting average to start the 2025 season.
But the league adjusted, and Campbell hit a wall. Struggles at the plate and some defensive lapses led to a mid-June demotion to Triple-A Worcester.
For some players, that kind of setback can linger. For Campbell, it became a turning point.
He used the second half of 2025 to recalibrate, and then took his development a step further by joining Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rican Winter League. There, he got valuable reps against experienced competition, refining both his swing mechanics and approach at the plate.
One noticeable change: gone was the jittery bat waggle while waiting for a pitch. Instead, Campbell quieted his hands, holding the bat still above his shoulders - a small but telling adjustment that suggests a player learning to trust his process.
Versatility Is the Name of the Game
What makes Campbell especially valuable right now is his versatility. With Gonzalez’s availability in doubt, the Red Sox need players who can move around the diamond - and Campbell fits that mold. He’s logged time at second base, first base, and in the outfield, and manager Alex Cora has even been working him out at third base this offseason.
That kind of flexibility is gold for a team trying to navigate early-season uncertainty. And while Campbell is still working to establish himself at the plate, his defensive versatility could be his ticket to a larger role - especially if he can show consistent at-bats in spring training.
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has praised Campbell’s maturity and work ethic, noting that with the right approach, he still sees the young infielder as a potential everyday contributor. That’s not just lip service. Boston needs someone to step into that Gonzalez-type role - a player who can fill in across the infield, provide quality at-bats, and keep the lineup moving.
A Spring to Watch
Campbell’s performance this spring will be one of the more compelling storylines to follow. Can he carry over the adjustments he made in winter ball? Can he show enough consistency to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster - and maybe even more?
Replacing Gonzalez’s presence won’t be easy. He’s a grinder with a knack for doing the little things that help teams win. But if Campbell can step up, both in the field and at the plate, he has a real opportunity to earn trust - not just from the coaching staff, but from a fan base eager to see the next wave of talent take hold.
The Red Sox made a long-term bet on Kristian Campbell. Now, with a roster spot potentially up for grabs, the moment is here for him to start paying it off.